Modular sidebar protecting wear member and system

ABSTRACT

A sidebar protecting wear member includes a module having a length extending in a length direction from a first end to a second end, and a width extending in a width direction from a first side to a second side, and a main body portion extending along only a first portion of the length of the module and across the entire width of the module. The module includes a first projecting element adjacent the first end of the module and extending along a second portion of the length to the first end of the length, and extending across only a first portion of the width of the module, and a second projecting element adjacent the second end of the module and extending along a third portion of the length to the second end of the length, and extending across only a second portion of the width of the module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to sidebar protection and, moreparticularly, is directed to a modular sidebar protecting wear memberand system.

BACKGROUND

Many machines include implements that engage earth, rock, and othermaterials that may be abrasive and may cause implement damage and wear.Some such implements include buckets, scoops, shovels, dozer blades,scraper blades, etc., that include a horizontal edge that engagesmaterial and, in some cases, side edges that also engage the material.Buckets, scoops, and shovels generally are in the shape of a containerfor material and usually include a primary material engaging surfacewith a digging edge and two side edges. Some scraper blades also includeside edges that, together with the blade itself may form a shallowcontainer.

While it stands to reason that the horizontal or digging edge of abucket or the ground engaging edge of a scraper blade, for example, willincur severe wear during operation where hard and abrasive materials areencountered, other implement edges, for example the side edges, also maybe subjected to the same abrasive forces. The side edges of an implementmay engage material with substantially the same forces exerted on ahorizontally oriented digging edge of a bucket or blade. As a result,these edges also may incur severe wear. While side edges may sometimesbe made more robust and somewhat reinforced by sidebars, these sidebarsstill may experience severe wear.

Implements that may be expected to encounter heavy abrasion and wearhave typically been provided with replaceable wear members and shroudsusually made of more abrasion resistant material than the implementsthemselves. Such wear members and shrouds have been placed along edgesof the implements to protect the edges and extend implement life.Various replaceable sidebar protectors have been devised to furtherprotect implement side edges against abrasion and wear. Such sidebarprotectors have generally been tailored to a particular implement, andeven to a particular size of the same general type of implement. Someimplements may have sides with straight edges, curved edges, or acombination of both straight portions and curved portions on the edges.Curved edges may be convex, concave, or a combination of both. As aresult, a sidebar protector ordinarily may be more or less uniquelydesigned for a particular side edge contour. In addition, typicalsidebar protectors attach to opposing sides of a sidebar, for examplevia a pair of depending attachment tabs that straddle the sidebar. As aresult, a given sidebar protector may be limited to use on an implementwith a given sidebar thickness.

There exists a need for a more universal sidebar protector and a moreadaptable sidebar protection system. It would be both beneficial anddesirable to provide a sidebar protector and protection system thatcould be readily adapted to the contour of a number of implements havingdifferently contoured side edges. It also would be advantageous toprovide a sidebar protector and protection system that could be readilyadapted to implements of different sizes and with sidebars of differentthicknesses.

One type of protection system for the side edges of a bucket isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,885 issued to Moreau on Oct. 28, 1975(“the '885 patent”). The '885 patent discloses a system wherein a buckethas a leading edge of substantially circular and constant cross-section,with the leading edge disclosed as including both the edge of the baseand the edges of the sides of the bucket. The protection system of the'885 patent includes a series of “rings” with an internal cross-sectionsimilar to that of the bucket leading edge. The individual rings may beslid onto an end of the leading edge and accumulated until the entireleading edge is protected by the series of rings. Worn rings may bereplaced by removing the series of rings from an end of the leading edgeuntil the worn rings are removed, replacing the worn rings with newrings, and then replacing rings until the entire leading edge is onceagain provided with rings.

While the system of the '885 patent may be useful for some applications,it may be problematic. The '885 patent discloses that the entire leadingedge of the bucket must be of both a circular and a constantcross-section, and that the protective rings must likewise include aninternal circular and constant cross-section. As a result, the system ofthe '885 patent is not universal and is not adaptable to either a largenumber of implements or implements with sidebars of varying contours. Inaddition the system of the '885 patent is not adaptable to implementswith side edges of varying thicknesses.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a sidebarprotecting wear member. The sidebar protecting wear member may include amodule having a length extending in a length direction from a first endto a second end, and a width extending in a width direction from a firstside to a second side, the length being greater than the width. Themodule may include a main body portion extending along only a firstportion of the length of the module and across the entire width of themodule. The module also may include a first projecting element adjacentthe first end of the module and extending along a second portion of thelength to the first end of the length, and extending across only a firstportion of the width of the module. The module also may include a secondprojecting element adjacent the second end of the module and extendingalong a third portion of the length to the second end of the length, andextending across only a second portion of the width of the module.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a modularsidebar protecting system. The modular sidebar protecting system mayinclude a plurality of substantially identical modules having a lengthextending in a length direction from a first end to a second end, awidth extending in a width direction from a first side to a second side,and a height extending in a height direction, the length being greaterthan the width. Each module may be configured to cover a materialengaging edge of a sidebar of an implement with each module abutting anadjacent module. Each module may include a main body portion extendingalong only a first portion of the length of the module and across theentire width of the module. Each module also may include a firstprojecting element extending along a second portion of the length to thefirst end of the length, and extending across only a first portion ofthe width of the module. Each module also may include a secondprojecting element extending along a third portion of the length to thesecond end of the length, and extending across only a second portion ofthe width of the module.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to animplement. The implement may include a material engaging surface, atleast one side surface adjacent an end of the material engaging surface,and a modular sidebar protecting system. The implement also may includea sidebar on the at least one side surface and a plurality ofsubstantially identical sidebar protecting modules individually engagingthe sidebar, with each sidebar protecting module abutting an adjacentsidebar protecting module and with each sidebar protecting moduleincluding a length extending in a length direction from a first end to asecond end, a width extending in a width direction from a first side toa second side, and a height extending in a height direction. Eachsidebar protecting module may include a main body portion extendingalong only a first portion of the length of the module and across theentire width of the module. Each sidebar protecting module also mayinclude a first projecting element extending along a second portion ofthe length to the first end of the length, and extending across only afirst portion of the width of the module. Each sidebar protecting modulealso may include a second projecting element extending along a thirdportion of the length to the second end of the length, and extendingacross only a second portion of the width of the module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary implement and a disclosed embodiment ofa modular sidebar protecting wear member and system;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged side view of a portion of the implementand modular sidebar protecting wear member and system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disclosed embodiment of a modularsidebar protecting wear member;

FIG. 4 is a different perspective view of the modular sidebar protectingwear member illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the modular sidebar protecting wear member ofFIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is an opposite side view of the modular sidebar protecting wearmember of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the modular sidebar protecting wear member ofFIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the modular sidebar protecting wear member ofFIGS. 3-7;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary implement and another disclosedembodiment of a modular sidebar protecting wear member and system;

FIG. 10 is a somewhat enlarged side view of a portion of the implementand modular sidebar protecting wear member and system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the disclosed embodiment of a modularsidebar protecting wear member illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a different perspective view of the modular sidebarprotecting wear member illustrated in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the modular sidebar protecting wear memberillustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the modular sidebar protecting wear memberillustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the modular sidebar protecting wear memberillustrated in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 16 is an opposite side view of the modular sidebar protecting wearmember illustrated in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the modular sidebar protecting wearmembers and system illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10; and

FIG. 18 is another enlarged view of the modular sidebar protecting wearmembers and system illustrated in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective view, a portion of an exemplaryimplement 10, that may advantageously be provided with and benefit fromdisclosed embodiments of a modular sidebar protecting wear member andsystem. Implement 10 may be any type of bucket, scoop, shovel, orsimilar implement generally adapted for use with a machine forexcavating or mining earth, rock, ore, or other materials. FIG. 1illustrates a bucket-type implement 10 that includes a ground engagingedge 12, a side plate 14, and a primary material engaging surface 16,variously referred to in the art as a wrapper, bottom plate, etc.Implement 10 also may be a dozer blade, scraper blade, or otherblade-type implement employed for moving earth and other materials andincluding side walls that effectively form, with the blade, a shallowcontainer for material.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a sidebar 18 forming a part of side plate 14 ofimplement 10. Sidebar 18 typically may be a somewhat reinforced portionat the material engaging edge portion of an implement side plateintended to directly engage the material that may be handled by theimplement and make the side plate more robust and resistant todeformation and abrasion. Sidebar 18, in FIG. 1, is illustrated as beingprovided with a disclosed embodiment of a modular sidebar protectingwear member 20 (or module 20) and a modular sidebar protecting system 22attached to side edge 19 of sidebar 18.

Referring to FIG. 2, an enlargement of a portion of sidebar 18 with adisclosed embodiment of modules 20 and modular sidebar protecting system22 is shown in side view to illustrate the abutting relationship ofindividual modules 20 to form modular sidebar protecting system 22covering a portion of side edge 19 of sidebar 18. As can readily beenseen in FIG. 2, a number of modules 20 may be mounted on sidebar 18 inabutting relationship. As disclosed in more detail hereafter, eachmodule 20 may contact side edge 19 and be secured to one side of sidebar18 via suitable attachment structure to form modular sidebar protectingsystem 22. Each module 20 may be short in length relative to a length ofsidebar 18 and side edge 19 to be protected, and the number of modules20 that may be employed with a given implement may vary considerablywith the size and type of implement.

FIGS. 3-8 illustrate several different views, each to be described inturn, of a disclosed embodiment of a module 20 illustrated generally inFIGS. 1 and 2. In referring to the several views, terms such as “ends,”“sides,” “top,” “above,” “upwardly,” “bottom,” “below,” “downwardly,”etc., will be employed for a convenient frame of reference even though,during handling or in actual use on an implement, the orientation ofmodules 20 and modular sidebar protecting system 22 may varyconsiderably.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first perspective view of module 20 isillustrated in which some features of module 20 may be seen. Module 20may include a length L extending in a length direction LD from a firstend 24 to a second end 26. Module 20 also may include a width Wextending in a width direction WD from a first side 28 to a second side30. Module 20 may be manufactured by casting or any of various othermetal forming processes and may be made with various dimensions. Forexample, the length of a module 20 may be between three and nine inches(or roughly between 7.5 cm and 23 cm). A typical length may beapproximately six inches (or roughly 15 cm) with a length to width ratioof approximately three to one.

One of first and second ends 24, 26, for example first end 24 in FIG. 3,may be shaped in some fashion. For example, first end 24 may include acurved surface that is convex. The other of first and second ends 24,26, for example second end 26 in FIG. 3, likewise may be shaped. Forexample, second end 26 may include a curved surface that is concave. Theradius of curvature of the curved surface that is convex may besubstantially equal to the radius of curvature of the curved surfacethat is concave. The radius of curvature may be on the order ofapproximately 15 mm, for example, but other radii of curvature arecontemplated.

An attachment tab 32 may extend from one side, for example side second30 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Attachment tab 32 may originate along anedge 34 of module 20 and extend to a distal portion 36. Attachment tab32 may be variously shaped. For example only, attachment tab 32 mayinclude two concavely curved side surfaces 38 and 40 converging to theconvexly curved distal portion 36. Attachment tab 32 may include anaperture 42 or other suitable expedient to enable attachment tab 32, andtherefore module 20, to be attached to a sidebar 18 (see FIG. 2, forexample). Attachment of module 20 via attachment tab 32 may be by way ofa suitable bolt, pin, clip, or other fastening expedient. Other shapesfor attachment tab 32 as well as other modes of fastening module 20 to asidebar 18 are contemplated to be within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of module 20. While FIG. 3is viewed generally toward second side 30 and first end 24, by contrastFIG. 4 is viewed generally toward first side 28 and second end 26.Distal portion 36 of attachment tab 32 may be viewed in part extendingfrom second side 30 which is not readily visible in FIG. 4. FIGS. 3 and4 taken together illustrate the overall shape of an embodiment of module20 from both first and second ends 24, 26 and both first and secondsides 28, 30. Additional views of module 20 to be described will furtheraid the description of various features of module 20.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate opposite side views of the module 20illustrated in perspective in FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 5, module 20 may beviewed from second side 30. As disclosed in the description of FIGS. 3and 4, first end 24 may be shaped, for example convexly curved asillustrated, and second end 26 also may be shaped, for example concavelycurved. Attachment tab 32 also is illustrated in FIG. 5 on second side30. FIG. 6 illustrates a view of module 20 from first side 28.Attachment tab 32 may be seen in FIG. 6, but the view is from anopposite side of attachment tab 32 from that seen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 withfirst end 24, second end 26, first side 28, and second side 30designated following the orientation in FIGS. 3-6. FIG. 7 illustrates afirst surface 44 and a second surface 46 (with first surface 44 visiblein FIG. 6 and second surface 46 visible in FIG. 5). First and secondsurfaces 44, 46 may converge to a wear surface 48 (also indicated at thetop of FIGS. 5 and 6). Wear surface 48 may be narrow in width directionWD relative to width W of module 20 and may extend in length directionLD approximately for the length L of module 20. The two surfaces 44, 46may be planar, concavely curved, convexly curved, or somewhat irregularin topography.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 withfirst end 24, second end 26, first side 28, and second side 30designated following the orientation in FIGS. 3-7. Attachment tab 32 andits distal portion 36 also may be viewed from the bottom in FIG. 8.Module 20 may include a generally planar surface 50. Generally planarsurface 50, in use of module 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2, for example) isintended to be the surface of module 20 facing side edge 19 of sidebar18. Generally planar surface 50 may include a plurality of sidebarengaging abutments protruding from generally planar surface 50. To thatend, a first sidebar engaging abutment 52 may protrude from generallyplanar surface 50 at or adjacent first end 24, and a second sidebarengaging abutment 54 may protrude from generally planar surface 50 at oradjacent second end 26. First and second sidebar engaging abutments 52,54 protruding from generally planar surface 50 are intended, in use, tomake contact with side edge 19 of sidebar 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2, forexample).

Still referring to FIG. 8, module 20 may, during use, be attached to asidebar 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2) with attachment tab 32 extending along oneside of sidebar 18, generally planar surface 50 facing side edge 19, andfirst and second sidebar engaging abutments 52, 54 making contact withside edge 19. As illustrated in FIG. 8, first and second sidebarengaging abutments 52, 54 may adjoin a surface 56 of attachment tab 32and extend in the width direction WD of module 20 to first side 28 ofmodule 20. It should be understood that attachment tab 32 mayconveniently be formed at either first side 28 or at second side 30,with first and second sidebar engaging abutments 52, 54 extending to theopposite side.

Referring collectively now to FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 8, first sidebarengaging abutment 52, second sidebar engagement 54, and generally planarsurface 50 are indicated in FIG. 4, and wear surface 48 may extendsubstantially parallel to planar surface 50. Generally planar surface50, first sidebar engaging abutment 52 and second sidebar engagement 54also are indicated in FIG. 6, and it is readily apparent that wearsurface 48 may extend substantially parallel to generally planar surface50. Referring to both FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, converging first and secondsurfaces 44, 46 may be inclined at an acute angle relative to generallyplanar surface 50 as they converge toward each other and adjoin wearsurface 48. First and second surfaces 44, 46 also may extend generallyparallel to length direction LD. Attachment tab 32 may extend towarddistal end 36 in a direction generally perpendicular to generally planarsurface 50 and generally perpendicular to the length direction LD andthe width direction WD of module 20.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are somewhat comparable to FIGS. 1 and 2, and illustrateanother embodiment of a modular sidebar protecting wear member (ormodule) and system according to the disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates aportion of an exemplary implement 100 that may be any type of bucket,scoop, or shovel generally adapted for use with a machine for excavatingor mining earth, rock, ore, or other materials. The bucket-typeimplement 100 may include a ground engaging edge 102, a side plate 104,and a primary material engaging surface 106. Implement 100 also may be adozer blade, scraper blade, or other blade-type implement employed formoving earth and other materials and including side walls thateffectively form, with the blade, a shallow container for material.

FIG. 9 also illustrates a sidebar 108 forming a part of side plate 104of implement 100. Sidebar 108, in FIG. 1, is illustrated as beingprovided with a disclosed embodiment of a modular sidebar protectingwear member or module 110 and a modular sidebar protecting system 112attached to side edge 109 of sidebar 108. Referring to FIG. 10, anenlarged view of sidebar 108 with a disclosed embodiment of modules 110and modular sidebar protecting system 112 is shown in side view toillustrate the cooperating relationship of individual modules 110 toform modular sidebar protecting system 112 covering a portion of sideedge 109 of sidebar 108.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrate several different views, each to be described inturn, of the disclosed embodiment of module 110 illustrated generally inFIGS. 9 and 10. In referring to the several views illustrated in FIGS.11-16, terms such as “ends,” “sides,” “top,” “above,” “upwardly,”“bottom,” “below,” “downwardly,” etc., will be employed for a convenientframe of reference even though, in actual handling and use on animplement, the orientation of modules 110 and modular sidebar protectingsystem 112 may vary considerably.

Referring to FIG. 11, a first perspective view of module 110 isillustrated in which some features of module 110 may be seen. Module 110may include a length L₂ extending in a length direction LD₂ from a firstend 114 to a second end 116. Module 110 also may include a width W₂extending in a width direction WD₂ from a first side 118 to a secondside 120. Module 110 may include a main body portion 122 extending alongonly a first portion of the length L₂ of module 110 and across theentire width W₂ of the module 110. Module 110 also may include a firstprojecting element 124 extending along a second portion of the length L₂to the first end 114 of length L₂, and extending across only a firstportion of the width W₂ of module 110. Module 110 also may include asecond projecting element 126 extending along a third portion of thelength L₂ to the second end 116 of length L₂, and extending across onlya second portion of the width W₂ of module 110.

An exemplary length for a module 110 may be between three and nineinches (or roughly between 7.5 cm and 23 cm). A typical length may beapproximately six inches (or roughly 15 cm) with a length to width ratioof approximately three to one. The portion of length L₂ over which mainbody portion 122 extends may be, for example, approximately two-thirdsof the entire length L₂ with each of first and second projectingelements 124 and 126 extending approximately one-sixth of the entirelength, for example. A typical portion of length L₂ for main bodyportion 122 may be four inches (roughly 10 cm), for example, with eachprojecting element 124, 126 typically extending from main body portion122 for a portion of length L₂ of one inch (roughly 2.5 cm), forexample.

An attachment tab 128 may extend from one side, for example second side120 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Attachment tab 128 may originate along anedge 132 of module 110 and extend to a distal portion 134. Attachmenttab 128 may be variously shaped. For example, attachment tab 128 mayinclude two concavely curved side surfaces 136 and 138 converging to theconvexly curved distal portion 134. Attachment tab 128 may include anaperture 140 or other suitable expedient to enable attachment tab 128,and therefore module 110, to be attached to a sidebar 108 (FIG. 10, forexample). Attachment of module 110 via attachment tab 128 may be by wayof a suitable bolt, pin, clip, or any other fastening expedient. Othershapes for attachment tab 128 as well as other modes of fastening module110 to a sidebar 108 are contemplated to be within the scope of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another perspective view of module 110. While FIG.11 is viewed generally toward second side 120 and first end 114, bycontrast FIG. 12 is viewed generally toward first side 118 and secondend 116. Distal portion 134 of attachment tab 128 may be viewed in partextending from second side 120 which is not readily visible in FIG. 12.FIGS. 11 and 12 taken together illustrate the overall shape of thisembodiment of module 110 from both first and second ends 114, 116 andboth first and second sides 118, 120. FIG. 12 also illustrates main bodyportion 122, first projecting element 124, and second projecting element126.

FIG. 13 is a top view of module 110 facilitating description of certainfeatures of module 110. As described in connection with FIGS. 11 and 12,module 110 includes a main body portion 122 extending in lengthdirection LD₂ along only a first portion of length L₂. Module 110 alsoincludes first projecting element 124 extending in length direction LD₂along a second portion of length L₂ and second projecting element 126extending in length direction LD₂ along a third portion of length L₂. Itis clear from the view in FIG. 13 that, while main body portion 122extend across the entire width W₂ of module 110, first projectingelement 124 extends across only a first portion of width W₂, and secondprojecting element 126 extends across only a second portion of width W₂.

Still referring to FIG. 13, a first surface 142 and a second surface 144(with first surface 142 visible in FIG. 11 and second surface 144visible in FIG. 12) may converge to a wear surface 146 (also indicatedat the top of FIGS. 11 and 12). Wear surface 146 may be narrow in widthdirection WD₂ relative to width W₂ of module 110 and may extend inlength direction LD₂ approximately for the first portion of length L₂along which main body portion 122 extends. The two surfaces 142, 144 maybe planar, concavely curved, convexly curved, or somewhat irregular intopography.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of module 110 with first end 114, second end116, first side 118, and second side 120 designated following theorientation in FIGS. 11-13. Attachment tab 128 and its distal portion134 also may be viewed from the bottom in FIG. 14. Module 110 mayinclude a generally planar surface 150. Generally planar surface 150, inuse of module 110 (see FIGS. 9 and 10, for example) is intended to bethe surface of module 110 facing side edge 109 of sidebar 108. Generallyplanar surface 150 may include a plurality of sidebar engaging abutmentsprotruding from generally planar surface 150. To that end, a firstsidebar engaging abutment 152 may protrude from generally planar surface150 adjacent first projecting element 124, and a second sidebar engagingabutment 154 may protrude from generally planar surface 150 adjacentsecond projecting element 126. First and second sidebar engagingabutments 152, 154 protruding from generally planar surface 150 areintended, in use, to make contact with side edge 109 of sidebar 108(FIGS. 9 and 10, for example).

Wear surface 146 may extend substantially parallel to generally planarsurface 150. Referring to both FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, converging first andsecond surfaces 142 and 144 may be inclined at an acute angle relativeto generally planar surface 150 as they converge toward each other andadjoin wear surface 146. First and second surfaces 142 and 144 also mayextend generally parallel to length direction LD₂. Attachment tab 128may extend toward distal end 134 in a direction generally perpendicularto planar surface 150 and generally perpendicular to length directionLD₂ and width direction WD₂.

Still referring to FIG. 14, module 110 may, during use, be attached to asidebar 108 (FIGS. 9 and 10) with attachment tab 128 extending along oneside of sidebar 108, with generally planar surface 150 facing side edge109, and with first and second sidebar engaging abutments 152, 154making contact with side edge 109. As illustrated in FIG. 14, first andsecond sidebar engaging abutments 152, 154 may adjoin a surface 156 ofattachment tab 128 and extend in the width direction WD₂ of module 110to first side 118 of module 110. It should be understood that attachmenttab 128 may conveniently be formed at either first side 118 or at secondside 120, with first and second sidebar engaging abutments 152, 154extending to the opposite side. As previously described, first sidebarengaging abutment 152 may be located at one end of main body portion 122adjacent projecting element 124, and second sidebar engaging abutment154 may be located at an opposite end of main body portion 122 adjacentprojecting element 126.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate opposite side views of the module 110illustrated in perspective in FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG. 15, module 110may be viewed from second side 120, while in FIG. 16, module 110 may beviewed from first side 118. Attachment tab 128 also is illustrated inFIG. 15 on second side 120, and the surface 156 on the opposite side ofattachment tab 128 is visible in FIG. 16. Both of first projectingmember 124 and second projecting member 126 may include end surfacesthat advantageously may be shaped, and main body portion 122 includesend faces that likewise advantageously may be shaped.

Still referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, end surface 158 of first projectingmember 124 may be convexly curved, and end surface 160 of secondprojecting member 126 likewise may be convexly curved. A first end faceportion 162 of main body portion 122 may be shaped, for exampleconcavely curved (FIG. 15). A second end face portion 164 of main bodyportion 122 may include a planar shape (FIG. 16). Referring again toFIG. 13, for example, the planar shape of second end face portion 164may be oriented at a slight acute angle a relative to width directionWD₂. As a result, second end face portion 164 may slant slightly towardfirst side 118 such that main body portion 122 may decrease slightly inlength along first side 118. Referring back to FIG. 16, for example, itmay be seen that module 110 includes a height H extending in heightdirection HD. Second end face portion 164 also may be oriented at aslight acute angle β relative to height direction HD of module 110. As aresult, second end face portion 164 also may slant slightly away fromsecond end 116 from wear surface 146 toward generally planar surface150.

The radius of curvature of convexly curved end surfaces 158 and 160 mayhave radii of curvatures that are substantially equal. Also, the radiusof curvature of concavely curved first end face portion 162 of main bodyportion 122 may have a radius of curvature that is substantially equalto the radius of curvature of end surface 158 and end surface 160. Theradius of curvature of each of end surfaces 158 and 160 and first endface 162 may be on the order of approximately 15 mm, for example, butother radii of curvature are contemplated. The angle a relative to widthdirection WD₂ may be slight but may vary. For example, angle a may be onthe order of one to ten degrees. The angle β relative to heightdirection HD also may be slight but may vary. For example, angle β maybe on the order of one to ten degrees.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are enlarged views of a portion of modular sidebarprotecting system 112 illustrated in FIG. 10 showing only three of theseveral modules 110 along a portion of sidebar 108. FIG. 17 illustratesadjacent modules 110 mounted to sidebar 108 and protecting side edge109. FIG. 18 illustrates a scenario where a module 110 mounted betweentwo adjacent modules 110 is in the process of being removed or in theprocess of being replaced. FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate certain featuresof modules 110 and how individual modules 110 cooperate with one anotherin the disclosed modular sidebar protecting system 112.

FIGS. 17 and 18 (as well as FIGS. 9 and 10) illustrate that, in thisdisclosed embodiment, alternate ones of modules 110 in modular sidebarprotecting system 112 may be attached to an opposite side of sidebar108. Also, a first projecting element 124 of one module 110 may overlapa first projecting element 124 of an adjacent module 110, and a secondprojecting element 126 of one module 110 may overlap a second projectingelement 126 of an adjacent module 110, and this may remain true for eachmodule 110 except for end modules 110 that will overlap on only one end114 or 116.

Considering FIGS. 17 and 18 along with the larger side views of modules110 in FIGS. 15 and 16, it should be reiterated that each module 110 issubstantially identical to adjacent modules 110. As a description aid,one module 110 in FIG. 18 is labeled representative module RM1,corresponding to the view in FIG. 16, and an adjacent module 110 islabeled representative module RM2, corresponding to the view in FIG. 15.It readily may be seen that a typical relationship of RM1 and RM2 in usemay be that second projecting elements 126 of adjacent modules RM1 andRM2 overlap each other along a length of side edge 109, with convexlycurved end surfaces 160 of second projecting elements 126 abutting orclosely adjacent planar second end face portions 164 of main bodyportions 122. Also, in use, first projecting elements 124 of adjacentmodules RM1 and RM3 (with RM3 attached on the opposite side of sidebar108 from RM1) may overlap each other along a length of side edge 109with convexly curved end surfaces 158 of first projecting elements 124abutting concavely curved first end face portions 162 of main bodyportions 122.

Where it becomes necessary to remove and replace a module 110, the factthat second end face portion 164 of main body portion 122 may be planarin shape will facilitate removal of a module 110 that is between twoother modules 110 without the necessity to remove each module 110 up tothe one that requires replacement. Further, because second end faceportion 164, in addition to being planar in shape, may be oriented at aslight acute angel a relative to width direction WD₂, and also may beoriented at a slight acute angel β relative to height direction HD, mayeven further facilitate removal of an intermediate module 110.

FIGS. 17 and 18, as well as FIGS. 9 and 10 clearly illustrate that eachadjacent module 110 may, via attachment tab 128, be suitably fastened toan opposite side of sidebar 108. In addition, FIGS. 17 and 18 illustratethat modules 110, when attached to a sidebar 108 to form a sidebarprotecting system 112, may be characterized as being in a “zig-zag”pattern or arrangement. A first projecting element 124 of one module 110overlaps a first projecting element 124 of an adjacent module 110, and asecond projecting element 126 of one module 110 overlaps a secondprojecting element 126 of an adjacent module 110.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed modular sidebar protecting wear member and system may beapplicable to protect sidebars of various types and sizes of implementsregardless of the contour of an edge of the sidebar. The disclosedmodular system offers distinct advantages over typical shrouds andprotective wear members that may currently be employed as sidebarprotection. Because the system is modular, only a single modular elementis required to be manufactured, with multiple copies of the same singlemodular element forming a system that may act as protection for a widevariety of implement types and sizes.

Whereas existing sidebar protectors may not be readily adaptable toimplements for which they were not specifically designed, the disclosedunique modular system may be adapted to implements having sidebars ofvarious shapes and sizes. Because the disclosed modules are relativelysmall in size relative to implements for which they are intended, thenumber of modules needed for a given implement may readily be abutted oradjacently mounted end to end to form the length of sidebar protectionneeded.

Implements, such as buckets and scraper blades, may include sidebars ofvarying lengths (for example, measured in feet) and with varyingcontoured sidebar edges (for example, curved concave and/or convex,straight, or a combination of curved and straight). Each size ofimplement and contour of sidebar edge ordinarily would require aspecifically designed sidebar protector to offer adequate protection.The disclosed modules (for example, measured in inches and typicallyapproximately six inches in length) may offer the necessary protectionfor an implement regardless of size and contour of the sidebar edge.

Each module may include a sidebar engaging abutment protruding from abottom planar surface adjacent each end of the module. This feature mayyield two lines of contact with an edge of a sidebar. Because eachmodule is relative short in length relative to the overall length of asidebar edge, this may enable a module to fit closely to a sidebar edgeregardless whether the edge contour curves concavely or convexly or isstraight.

Currently employed sidebar protectors use a fastening system thatrequires what is referred to in the art as different “strap gaps”depending on how thick a sidebar is. In other words, for a relativelyrobust bucket or other implement with a sidebar thickness ofapproximately 2 inches (or roughly 5 cm), the gap between attachmenttabs extending along each side of the sidebar would need to accommodatethat thickness, while for a less robust bucket or other implement with asidebar thickness of less than 1 inch (roughly less than 2.5 cm), forexample, a differently formed sidebar protector would be needed. Anotheradvantageous feature of the disclosed embodiments is that each module ofthe system attaches to a sidebar at only one side of the sidebar. Thisone-sided protection system eliminates the so-called “strap gap” problemwith currently employed sidebar protectors. With disclosed embodiments,the same modules and system may be employed regardless of sidebarthickness. That is to say, a module approximately six inches (roughly 15cm) in length and approximately 2 inches (roughly 5 cm) in width couldbe attached to an implement sidebar whether the sidebar is approximately2 inches wide or less.

Because the disclosed system is made up of substantially identicalmodular wear elements, or modules, the casting or other metal formingprocess employed to manufacture the sidebar protecting system isrelatively straightforward and applicable to various implements withdiffering sidebars since only a single module needs to be formed.Whether a sidebar shape is concavely curved, convexly curved, straight,or a combination thereof, the disclosed modules forming the disclosedmodular system will be able to accommodate the shape and provide theneeded sidebar protection.

The unique system also may enable an entity with a number of machineswith implements operating in abrasive conditions to forego the need tohave spare sidebar protectors of various types on hand. It only may benecessary to keep a supply of the disclosed modules on hand and, whenreplacement of a sidebar protector becomes necessary, the substantiallyidentical modules may be abutted end to end to the extent necessary tosatisfactorily protect the sidebar.

Each module may have shaped end surfaces, and when assembled as asidebar protecting system on an implement a convexly curved end surfaceof one module may conformably fit against a concavely curved end surfaceof an adjacent module. In this way, adjacent modules may support eachother in resisting side forces that may occur during implement use. Itis contemplated that conformable shapes other than convex and concavecurves may be employed on modules of a given system. End surfaces ofmodules may not necessarily be curved, but a module may include one endsurface projecting slightly to a point or truncated surface with theother end surface being slightly indented.

The disclosed embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-18 may be characterizedas forming a “zig-zag” pattern with a projecting element of one moduleoverlapping a projecting element of an adjacent module. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that the “zig-zag” pattern and the attachment ofalternate modules to an opposite side of a sidebar, in use, enhancesmutual support by modules of adjacent modules and helps in resistingpull off and twisting loads that may be placed on the modules duringimplement use.

Modules accordingly to disclosed embodiments may be manufactured by anyof generally accepted metal forming techniques such as, for example,casting, molding, and forging. In addition, it is contemplated thatmodules according to disclosed embodiments may be manufactured byadditive manufacturing/fabrication processes that include techniquessuch as, for example, 3D printing. Modules under the disclosure may bemanufactured from any know metal or metal alloy competent to serve as asuitable wear and abrasion resistant material.

Use of the term “generally” within this specification, (e.g., generallyperpendicular, generally equal, generally planar, etc.) is intended totake into account those situations wherein the components andrelationships referenced may deviate from an absolute by normal andaccepted industry manufacturing tolerances. Similarly, use of the term“substantially” within this specification, (e.g., substantially equal,substantially identical, substantially parallel, etc.) is intended totake into account those situations wherein the components andrelationships referenced may deviate from an absolute by normal andaccepted industry manufacturing tolerances.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the disclosed modularsidebar protecting wear member and system without departing from thescope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosed modularsidebar protecting wear member and system will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification. It isintended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sidebar protecting wear member, comprising: amodule having a length extending in a length direction from a first endto a second end, and a width extending in a width direction from a firstside to a second side, the length being greater than the width; themodule including a main body portion extending along only a firstportion of the length of the module and across the entire width of themodule; a first projecting element adjacent the first end of the moduleand extending along a second portion of the length to the first end ofthe length, and extending across only a first portion of the width ofthe module; and a second projecting element adjacent the second end ofthe module and extending along a third portion of the length to thesecond end of the length, and extending across only a second portion ofthe width of the module.
 2. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim1, wherein the first projecting element is adjacent the first side ofthe module, and the second projecting element is adjacent the secondside of the module.
 3. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim 1,wherein the main body portion includes a generally planar surface and aplurality of sidebar engaging abutments protruding from the generallyplanar surface.
 4. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim 3,wherein the plurality of sidebar engaging abutments include a firstabutment protruding from the generally planar surface adjacent the firstprojecting element, and a second abutment protruding from the generallyplanar surface adjacent the second projecting element.
 5. The sidebarprotecting wear member of claim 3, further including an attachment tabon the module at only one of the first and second sides of the moduleand extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the generallyplanar surface.
 6. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim 3,wherein the module includes two surfaces inclined at an acute anglerelative to the generally planar surface and converging toward eachother to a wear surface extending generally parallel to the generallyplanar surface.
 7. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim 1,wherein both the first projecting element and the second projectingelement include an end surface that is convexly curved.
 8. The sidebarprotecting wear member of claim 7, wherein the main body portionincludes a first end face portion that includes a concavely curvedsurface, and a second end face portion that includes a planar surface.9. The sidebar protecting wear member of claim 8, wherein the planarsurface of the second end face portion is oriented at an acute anglerelative to the width direction.
 10. A modular sidebar protectingsystem, comprising: a plurality of substantially identical moduleshaving a length extending in a length direction from a first end to asecond end, a width extending in a width direction from a first side toa second side, and a height extending in a height direction, the lengthbeing greater than the width, wherein each module is configured to covera material engaging edge of a sidebar of an implement with each moduleabutting an adjacent module, each module including: a main body portionextending along only a first portion of the length of the module andacross the entire width of the module; a first projecting elementextending along a second portion of the length to the first end of thelength, and extending across only a first portion of the width of themodule; and a second projecting element extending along a third portionof the length to the second end of the length, and extending across onlya second portion of the width of the module.
 11. The modular sidebarprotecting system of claim 10, wherein each module includes anattachment tab at only one of the first and second sides of the moduleconfigured to attach the module to a sidebar.
 12. The modular sidebarprotecting system of claim 11, wherein one of the first and secondprojecting elements of each module abutting an adjacent module overlapsone of the first and second projecting elements of the adjacent modulealong the length direction.
 13. The modular sidebar protecting system ofclaim 12, wherein the main body portion of each module includes a firstend face portion that includes a concavely curved surface, and a secondend face portion that includes a planar surface, and wherein both thefirst projecting element and the second projecting element include anend surface that is convexly curved.
 14. The modular sidebar protectingsystem of claim 13, wherein the convexly curved end surface of one ofthe first and second projecting elements abuts the concavely curvedsurface of the first end face portion of an adjacent module, and theconvexly curved end surface of the other of the first and secondprojecting elements is adjacent the planar surface of the second endface portion of another adjacent module.
 15. The modular sidebarprotecting system of claim 14, including a generally planar surface onthe module configured to face a material engaging edge of a sidebar, andtwo surfaces inclined at an acute angle relative to the generally planarsurface and converging toward each other to a wear surface.
 16. Themodular sidebar protecting system of claim 10, including a generallyplanar surface on each module configured to face a material engagingedge of a sidebar, and two surfaces inclined at an acute angle relativeto the generally planar surface and converging toward each other to awear surface, and sidebar engaging abutments protruding from thegenerally planar surface adjacent both the first projecting element andthe second projecting element of each module.
 17. An implement includinga material engaging surface, at least one side surface adjacent an endof the material engaging surface, and a modular sidebar protectingsystem, comprising: a sidebar on the at least one side surface; aplurality of substantially identical sidebar protecting modulesindividually engaging the sidebar, with each sidebar protecting moduleabutting an adjacent sidebar protecting module and with each sidebarprotecting module including a length extending in a length directionfrom a first end to a second end, a width extending in a width directionfrom a first side to a second side, and a height extending in a heightdirection, each sidebar protecting module including: a main body portionextending along only a first portion of the length of the module andacross the entire width of the module; a first projecting elementextending along a second portion of the length to the first end of thelength, and extending across only a first portion of the width of themodule; and a second projecting element extending along a third portionof the length to the second end of the length, and extending across onlya second portion of the width of the module.
 18. The implement of claim17, wherein the main body portion of each module includes a first endface portion with a concavely curved surface, and a second end faceportion that includes a planar surface inclined at an acute anglerelative to both the width direction and the height direction, andwherein both the first projecting element and the second projectingelement include an end surface that is convexly curved, and wherein theconvexly curved end surface of one of the first and second projectingelements abuts the concavely curved surface of the first end faceportion of the main body portion of an adjacent module, and the convexlycurved end surface of the other of the first and second projectingelements is adjacent the planar surface of the second end face portionof the main body portion of another adjacent module.
 19. The implementof claim 18, further including an attachment tab extending from only oneof the first and second sides of each module, and wherein the attachmenttab of one module is attached to one side of the sidebar, and theattachment tab of an adjacent module is attached to an opposite side ofthe sidebar.
 20. The implement of claim 18, wherein each module includesa generally planar surface on the module configured to face a materialengaging edge of a sidebar, and two surfaces inclined at an acute anglerelative to the generally planar surface, extending generally parallelto a length direction of the generally planar surface, and convergingtoward each other to a wear surface extending generally parallel to thegenerally planar surface.